Money Sense Tips

NEW YORK — Bike to work, save money, get fit, help the environment. It seems like a no-brainer, yet you still drive to the office every day. Now’s the time to stop making excuses. Here’s a rundown of some common excuses and why they shouldn’t stop you.

• I’m not sure it’s right for me: One way to make sure you’ll use the bike is to rent or borrow. The try-before-you-buy strategy also lets you test different models before making a commitment.

“It lets you put your toe in the water and see if you really like it,” said George Gill, president of RentABikeNow.com, a Chicago-based company that lists rental shops nationwide.

If your office is far away, consider a hybrid commute. It might sound complicated, but plenty of people bike part of a commute and take public transit for the remainder.

• I’m worried costs will outweigh savings: Even though biking can save money in the long run, there are still large upfront costs.

If the bike’s main purpose is for commuting, you can probably stick with a traditional bike. The smaller costs to mull include a helmet (about $50), bike lock (about $40) and air pump (around $25).

• I don’t want to get sweaty before work: You could always bring a change of clothes or leave a pair of dress shoes at the office.

• I’m worried my bike will get stolen: A good lock isn’t your only defense.

Depending on the policy, your homeowner’s, renter’s or auto insurance might cover stolen or damaged bicycles. Call your insurer to find out specifics.

Many local police departments offer bike registries. To enter it into a broader database, registering a bike with the National Bike Registry costs $10 for 10 years.

• I need a bigger cash incentive: You may be eligible for a $20 monthly stipend from your employer for biking to work. The stipend was made available under legislation last year that gives companies tax credits if they offer it.

— The Associated Press